Our Current Initiatives
Our sustainable development approach is integrated and holistic. We offer start-to-end solutions with our extensive experience in the following: Local economic development, ICT access, infrastructure development, social development and community-based research.
The following projects are the initiatives of our organisation for 2007, in three provinces of South Africa. We have the capacity to replicate programmes in any other province or country. We are enthusiastic to replicate successful programmes, or initiate more pioneering projects that match our mission to increase prosperity for more Africans:
Eastern Cape
During 2006/2007, we have been asked by seven (7) organisations to assist with capacity-building and organisational development. Our methodology ensures an objective voice to the organisation and enable them to map their strategy in line with community needs.
Note: We are in the position to conduct external assessments for any CBO or NGO in Southern Africa to enhance reporting to donor agencies and community stakeholders.
Leader: Dorette Steenkamp
Together with the Wholesale and Retail SETA, we are currently enhancing the business skills of 100 SMMEs in the province.
There is great enthusiasm about our involvement in the province, as we see the rural areas in Southern Africa as neglected in terms of socio-economic opportunities. With the assistance of local organisations such as the New World Foundation, we offer opportunities to the smallest enterprises in the form of basic business skills training.
Leader: Erna Sittig
Northern Cape
Together with the
Wholesale and Retail SETA, we are currently enhancing the business skills of 100 SMMEs in the province. There is great enthusiasm about our involvement in the province, as we see the rural areas in Southern Africa as neglected in terms of socio-economic opportunities. We know that the provincial government of the Northern Cape has a strong vision with relation to poverty eradication.
Leader: Stephanie Roodt
Western Cape
UTHANGO has developed a close working relationship with the University of Cape Town in terms of supervising practical Social Work for students. We are currently implemening three programmes in the communities of Ocean View and Masiphumelele.
Three enthusiastic third-year students are completing their practical internship with our organisation this year, and will be dealing with youth at different age groups.
Explanatory Note: "Psychosocial refers to one's psychological development in the context of a social environment. It was first commonly used by psychologist Erik Erikson in his stages of social development". (WikiPedia)
Our psychosocial programmes aim to improve the quality of life of community members by assisting them to assume responsibility over their lives and to function as actively and independently in society as possible.
Leader: Erna Sittig
We facilitate property development in local communities, by linking community need to commercial interest.
We are currently engaging with various property developers and government stakeholders and invite an expression of interest for our involvement with infrastructure development in communities.
Leader: Erna Sittig
We are currently assisting two (2) social investment departments of corporate business to identify and implement sustainable programmes in the Western Cape.
We align programmes to the corporate mandate and issue CSI Certificates on measurable contribution to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment.
Leader: Dorette Steenkamp
Capricorn Business and Technology Park in Muizenberg, Cape Town was interested in the profile of communities adjacent to the Park. We offered our community profiling abilities and have conducted both a skills audit and an informal economy survey.
We are now in a position to see how best to contribute to stimulate the local economy through job creation and skills training.
The audits have become very popular on a local level for planning by government and the corporate sector alike. USI brings a unique tool and methodology to the development arena and critically inform decisions around growth and access to the economy.
Leader: Erna Sittig
Together with the Wholesale and Retail SETA, we are currently enhancing the business skills of 150 SMMEs in the Khayelitsha and Guguletu.
In Khayelitha, we conduct the training from a old community centre, and one of the participants told us on the first day: "We were the forgotten ones on this side of Khayelitsha, but you have found us". It has inspired us to go where there is the least resources.
Leader: Dorette Steenkamp
This Award-wining project was concluded and evaluated in June 2005 and was recognised as Best Centennial Project for Sustainable Community Development (District 9350 covering Angola, Namibia and the Western-Southern Cape region of South Africa). It remains on the list of current initiatives due to an expansion phase - the establishment of a Community-Enterprise Park at Masiphumelele.
We are dedicated to achieve the final objective of the project, namely to establish infrastructure for meaningful activities of community businesses and organisations. We thank Rotary Claremont for believing in this programme to change lives...
Leader: Dorette Steenkamp
International
Creating a gateway to participate fully in the metaverse and contribute constructively to development. Building Virtual Africa as orientation 'island' in a virtual reality to serve as an entry point to commerce, nonprofit and educational initiatives that will benefit African exposure and economic growth directly.
The 3D-digital environment of
SECONDLIFE offers the ideal springboard for collaboration between development practitioners. Far more, it holds the key to the digital future - and we are inviting African stakeholders to join us in ensuring that we are well represented.
Companies can benefit in particular by supporting our digital project, and at the same time, extending brand awareness.
Also visit our project blog to follow
Africa in Virtual Worlds and contact us if you are interested to advertise...
Leader: Alanagh Recreant
Life is an opportunity and not an obligation.
- The Tao of Leadership
